This book examines trends and determinants of economic inequality in cities in Latin America, the world’s most unequal region. It explores how the gap between the haves and the have nots manifests in every part of urban life – from housing to schooling to employment. It asks why some cities have higher inequality than others and what we can learn from these differences as we push back against inequality.
The book starts with reviewing the policies and forces that explain the rise and fall of inequality in Latin America since the 1990s and why progress in reducing inequality has stalled. It then focuses on Argentina’s cities and applies a set of quantitative tools to identify inequality determinants. It finds that intra-urban inequality generally mirrors national-level trends, but local idiosyncrasies related to a city’s labor market, informal employment, and social protection systems matter. The book discusses the pitfalls of privatizing public services that turned access to water in metropolitan Buenos Aires more unequal. It explores the promises and unintended consequences of slum upgrading initiatives in Buenos Aires’ Villa 20.
The book presents lessons that can inform policies and practices in the region and beyond. Developing a strategy against inequality that incorporates local features and resists the temptation to rely on the "free market" for solutions to urban problems offers a powerful opportunity. Drawing from the field of economics and social and urban policy, this book shows that the battle against inequality is not only won and lost in cities but also requires a uniquely public and urban response. As such, it will be of interest to advanced students, researchers, and policymakers across development economics, urban studies, and Latin American studies.
Welcoming Remarks
Mary Watson, Executive Dean, Schools of Public Engagement
Discussants
Sanjay Reddy, Chair of the Department of Economics, The New School
Marcela Melendez, Chief Economist for Latin America, UNDP
Marcelo Medeiros, Visiting Professor, Columbia University
Thursday, September 29th, 2022
6:30 pm to 8:00 pm (EST)
Where: Dorothy Hirshon Suite
Arnhold Hall, room l203, 2nd floor
55 West 13th Street, New York NY 10011
Lena Simet is a scholar, writer, and researcher interested in cities, urban poverty, and intra-urban inequality. She is currently a senior researcher and advocate on poverty and inequality at Human Rights Watch. She received her PhD from The New School and lives in New York City.
If you have any questions about this event, please contact risac646@newschool.edu
Presented by Observatory on Latin America of the Julien J. Studley Graduate Program in International Affairs.
Event guests and visitors must provide proof of up-to-date vaccination, including a booster when eligible; a negative result from a PCR test taken within three days before arrival; or a negative result from a rapid test taken the same day. The following protocols will be in place to ensure a safe and healthy experience for everyone:
Masks must be worn in concert and lecture venues where events are held. Masks are encouraged and optional elsewhere indoors.
The New School has partnered with CLEAR to utilize Health Pass, an online tool that safely and simply verifies proof of COVID-19 vaccination. For detailed instructions on downloading and using CLEAR, visit the “Campus Visitors” section on our Access to Campus page. Specific questions about using the CLEAR Health Pass to attend an on-campus event can be directed to the event organizer.
To ensure expedited event check-in, event guests should set up a CLEAR Health Pass account with proof of vaccination prior to the event.
New School students seeking accommodations should contact the Student Disability Services office at studentdisability@newschool.edu.
Event guests seeking accommodations may contact the event organizer by clicking the "Contact the Organizer" link at the bottom of this page.
Committed to amplifying diverse voices, The New School offers more than a thousand public programs and events each year, providing fresh perspectives and unique learning opportunities. These lectures, exhibitions, concerts, and performances feature prominent and emerging artists, activists, and thought leaders.
To receive updates about public programs and events at The New School, subscribe to our mailing list. Visit our Livestream and YouTube channels to watch select events live and recorded.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Vestibulum sagittis mi eu elementum malesuada. Maecenas arcu felis, suscipit vitae mi in, posuere ultricies nunc. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut ante velit, condimentum eget erat a, suscipit porttitor nisl. Pellentesque in semper nunc. Duis ultricies lacus nec dolor elementum efficitur. Cras congue neque et ipsum egestas, tincidunt tempor magna elementum. Maecenas in rhoncus ante, ac mattis lectus. Donec pulvinar nulla a varius malesuada. Ut auctor enim mi, mollis laoreet eros aliquam eget. Proin lectus tellus, ullamcorper nec neque a, ornare facilisis tellus. Proin in eros sit amet diam imperdiet varius. Duis tincidunt dolor nibh, ac interdum odio molestie vel. Cras dignissim enim at mi varius aliquet.